Modric completes €42m Real Madrid move from Tottenham

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric for a fee of €42 million, the Spanish giants have confirmedModric arrives on a five-year deal, and will wear the No.19 shirt at Santiago Bernabeu, as the No.14 he wore at Spurs is already taken by Xabi Alonso..
The Croatia international played no part in the north Londoners' Premier League campaign this year as the two clubs finalised negotiations for the deal, which also includes a long-term 'footballing partnership'.
"I'm very happy," he told reporters. "It's an honour to be at the biggest club in the world. I want to start training and playing for Real Madrid.

"I look forward to playing with the team. This is my biggest challenge as a footballer and I am sure that I will accomplish my objectives.

"My challenge is to earn a place in the team, and for that you must work hard. It's going to be difficult, but I'm ready. My challenge is to win titles and trophies with Real Madrid.

"I have trained, I have worked hard and I have played 25 minutes with Croatia. I hope that I only need a couple of games to be fit and to reach the highest level.

"I have everything that I want. Now i just want to enjoy my football, improve my qualities and help the team win everything.

"I'm grateful to Tottenham. I spent four fantastic years there. There is no bitterness, just gratitude."

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Rodgers:Manchester City gave me back confidence

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has thanked Premier League rivals Manchester City for giving him back his self-belief.

As Rodgers prepared to face City at Anfield this weekend, he reflected on how easily he could have ended up working for Roberto Mancini. City manager Mancini offered Rodgers the chance to join his coaching staff in January 2010, and the two men met in Italy to discuss a role.

The opportunity came up when Rodgers' fledgling managerial career had taken a dip, with Reading having sacked him in December 2009 after only six months. He rejected the chance to join Mancini, instead taking charge of Swansea the following July and guiding them to the Premier League in his first season..
Rodgers told the Sunday Mirror: "I was out of the game after leaving Reading and got a call from Brian Marwood saying there was a possibility of me going to Manchester City.

"I spent a couple of days up there, looking at the project and everything. Then I flew to Milan and met Roberto.

"It was really exciting and I didn't think I was going to get a manager's job, so the next best thing would have been at least working with top-class players. But then I got the call from Swansea to be their No. 1 and the chance to manage a great club like that was too good to turn down, irrespective of money and whatever.

"City coming in for me was good for my confidence. I was grateful because at the time I was on the outside looking in. They gave me back my confidence. I went to Swansea and thankfully everything has worked out well."

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Song: I never wanted to leave Arsenal....

New Barcelona signing Alex Song has laid bare his frustration at Arsenal's decision to repeatedly postpone his contract talks - but insists he never wanted to leave the club.

Song made the move to Barcelona earlier this month for a reported fee of £15 million, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger subsequently suggesting the Cameroon international had expressed a desire to move to Spain..
However, Song - who played 46 times for Arsenal last season - is adamant all he wanted was a new long-term deal at Emirates Stadium. He has also been frustrated by reports suggesting he took a lax attitude to training.

"I woke up and read those things in the paper and was really surprised and disappointed. I love Arsenal, I never wanted to leave," Song told the Sun on Sunday.

"I was ready to commit my future to the club. All I wanted were talks about a new contract but each time we were due to sit down, the club postponed it. I was fobbed off. I wanted a new five-year contract at Arsenal. In the end I got one - at Barcelona.

"I had been trying for eight months to start talking about a new long-term deal but the club kept postponing me all the time, saying 'You have three years left'. I hadn't talked about money, I just wanted to sit down and discuss a new deal - I wanted to commit my career to the club I loved.

"Then out of the blue, Barcelona came in for me. And, suddenly, I was wanted by the biggest club in the world and they wanted to give me a five-year deal."

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Owen: I just need to pick the right team

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen insists that he is close to signing for a new club and just has to decide between his many offers.

Once seen as the future of English football, Owen was released by United at the end of last season after three years at Old Trafford after struggling in spells with Real Madrid and Newcastle after he left boyhood club Liverpool..
Now the 32-year-old, who has been linked with Stoke, Fulham and Everton, is targeting a return to the Premier League once he makes up his mind where his future lies.

"As with a lot of these situations, transfer windows and things like that, a lot of things happen later on in the window when people are refreshing their squads and things like that," Owen told Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

"So, yes, I have been in contact with quite a few teams and I definitely expect to be donning a new shirt quite soon.''

He added: "I've spoken to quite a few teams and it's a case of picking the best which is going to suit me and my family. I've said before I'd prefer that to be in the Premier League and that remains the case.

"Different things will form the basis of making the right choice: location - it would be great if I could stay at home but if not then so be it. The quality of the team, the manager - everything really so hopefully I shall pick the right one.''

Owen added that he would not get further involved in horse racing when his playing career ends but instead would like to stay in football.

"Horse racing is something I am passionate about and enjoy but is certainly something I want to keep as enjoyment, even though I have got a business interest in it I don't want to go any further," he said.

"Football is what I know and what I do best and I will certainly stay in the football world. I have done my first few coaching badges but I am still not sure whether I want to pursue that or not. There are other things you can do in football and I wouldn't mind exploring them.''

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Rooney 'out for four weeks' after being hospitalised with serios thigh injury

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney faces the possibility of four weeks on the sidelines after suffering a deep gash on his thigh and knee in Saturday's victory over Fulham.

The striker looks set to miss a considerable amount of playing time for both club and country, with England set to take on Macedonia and Ukraine in early September, while United face up against Southampton, Wigan and Liverpool within the next month.

Coming off the substitutes' bench with just over 20 minutes remaining, a clash with Hugo Rodallega in injury time forced the England international to be stretchered from the pitch as he blocked a shot, with the Fulham striker's studs catching him on the follow-through..
Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed after the game that Rooney has since been sent to hospital, and could face a month in rehabilitation.

"It's a very bad gash. He's been sent to hospital and I think he'll be out for four weeks," Sir Alex told Sky Sports.

"Rodellaga followed through after his shot. Obviously it was an accident."

Focusing on the game itself, Fulham took the lead after just three minutes when Damien Duff latched onto Bryan Ruiz's free-kick.

United responded strongly with three first-half goals from Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa and Rafael - the former two with their first for the club.

A mix-up in defence between David de Gea and Nemanja Vidic saw the centre-back knocking the ball into his own net with 25 minutes still to play, but the west London outfit could not find the all-important equaliser.

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Arsenal Frustrated in Second draw with Stoke City

Stoke City held Arsenal to their second consecutive goalless draw as the Gunners continued their uninspiring start to life without Robin van Persie.

The north London side dominated large periods of the game, with Santi Cazorla prominent in every attack but, despite looking resolute in defence, their cutting edge in the final third deserted them at the vital moments.
Chances were few and far between throughout the encounter with new signing Olivier Giroud volleying over the best of Arsenal’s and a Jonathan Walters’ scuff the best moments of a lethargic 90 minutes.

Tony Pulis made two changes from the side held to a 1-1 opening day draw against Reading. Jermaine Pennant had recovered from a slight knock to take his place on the wing with new-bow Geoff Cameron making his debut in central midfield. Dean Whitehead and Matthew Etherington made way.

Arsene Wenger also made two changes to his Arsenal side which appeared to have more than a hint of physicality about it.

The big team news came in goal, with regular number one Wojciech Szczesny missing out with a rib injury, allowing Vito Mannone to make his first appearance of the season. Giroud was given his first start for the club.

Much of the pre-match build-up centred around discipline, with Pulis claiming Arsenal to be a “dirtier” side than the Potters.

It was Arsenal, however, who used Pulis’s words as inspiration, settling into their trademark rhythmical passing game from the outset and moving the ball around with confidence and precision, with new signing Cazorla pulling the strings.

Stoke did provide a reminder of their aerial threat within the first five minutes, with Peter Crouch knocking the ball down for Walters to net from an offside position.

But the game’s first real opening fell to Lukas Podolski, the German breaking into the penalty area only to see his left-footed shot deflected wide, seemingly by the outstretched hand of Andy Wilkinson.

Podolski was involved again shortly after; his slaloming run was cynically ended by a Robert Huth block, with the resulting free kick tamely fired into the wall and then wide by Cazorla.

And Arsenal could have broken the deadlock a minute later, with Kieran Gibbs’ clever overlapping run undermined by his misplaced clip across the six yard box with Giroud well placed for a simple scoring chance.

The match was starting to fall into a similar Stoke-Arsenal pattern with the home team happy to soak up any pressure through two solid banks of four and allow the Gunners to pass the ball around in front of them.

And Cazorla and Podolski were the epitomes of Arsenal’s approach, looking lively and enterprising in their link up play, with little end product to show for it.

Despite the Gunners’ monopoly of possession, Stoke remained dangerous on the break with a strong run from Walters resulting in a Michael Kightly drive stinging the palms of Mannone.

Five minutes later, it was Stoke custodian Asomir Begovic’s turn to be tested, having to push behind Cazorla’s rising 25-yard drive.

And it almost came as a relief when referee Lee Mason brought an end to a turgid first half.

It was a similar story at the start of the second period with the match largely being played in the Stoke half.

Pennant felt he should have had a penalty when his driving run into the area was theatrically halted by Gibbs but the appeals were rightly waved away by referee Mason.

At the other end, Giroud had Arsenal’s best chance of the half, spectacularly bouncing the ball over Begovic’s crossbar from Cazorla’s beautifully flighted corner.

The introduction of England international duo Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain briefly injected some life into a tired looking Arsenal side, with first Arteta blazing over when well-placed and Abou Diaby skewing wide after getting his legs in a tangle in the six-yard box

But Walters could have nicked all three points for Stoke at the other end, scuffing a tame shot through to Mannone when set clear.

Giroud was agonisingly close to doing similar for the Gunners when his audacious 35-yard chip landed inches over Begovic’s bar.

But a 0-0 draw was the right result for a solid Stoke performance and a muted Arsenal display as both sides continue their search for a first Premier League win of the season.

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Drogba: I Did not join Shanghai Shenhua for Money but for Experience

Didier Drogba has insisted that money was not the motivating factor behind his decision to join Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua after leaving Chelsea.
The Ivory Coast international made the move east in June after an illustrious eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge and claims that the deal was a genuine "career choice"..
Drogba believes he still has a lot to offer as a player in China and added that he could have taken a less challenging option by staying in Europe.

"This is not a golden exile," Drogba told Telefoot. "It's a career choice. I assume it perfectly. And I know I can bring something to my new club.

"It would have been easier for me to stay in Europe, but I chose China. Money is not the most important [factor]. I am here for a whole new experience."

Drogba, who is now playing alongside former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka, has already impressed at the club, netting four goals in six appearances so far.

And the 34-year-old stated that he has not moved to Asia to simply see out the final years of his career.

"I am not here to retire," said the striker, who scored the winning penalty for Chelsea in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in May.

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Redknapp want English Premiership Return

Harry Redknapp has stated his desire to make a return to a managerial role if the “right job” became available, although he insists that it would have to be a special offer to lure him away from the Premier League.

Redknapp started the new season without a managerial role for the first time since 2001-02, and revealed his eagerness to get back into the game – but added that his eyes are firmly set on staying within the English setup..
"England is home to the grandkids and everything else is here - it would be difficult [to move abroad] unless it was the right offer I really fancied and was a special offer," he told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

"Other than that I would look to manage in England in the future. I love it, I love the Premier League, I enjoy English football and I enjoy being in England.

"I think I am capable of managing at the very top level so we'll see what comes up."

Redknapp’s spell at White Hart Lane was his most high profile to date, following previous stints at the likes of Portsmouth and West Ham, and guided the club through their first ever Champions League campaign - topping their group and reaching the quarter-finals in the process.

And Redknapp suggests that it would be difficult to step down to managing a team less talented to that of Spurs – seemingly ruling out a role at a club plying their trade below the Premier League.

"I've managed good players at Tottenham and at Portsmouth and at West Ham. I enjoy working with good players to be honest with you.

'When you've been working with top players it's very difficult to work with inferior players."

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Swansea admit Sinclair is set for Man City

Swansea first team coach Alan Curtis has admitted that it is just a matter of time before winger Scott Sinclair signs for Manchester City.

Sinclair has long been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium in the last few weeks, and Curtis has confirmed that a bid for the 23-year-old former Chelsea player has been made by Roberto Mancini..
With Sinclair, who scored eight goals as the Swans stayed up last season, unwilling to sign a new contract at the Liberty Stadium, his departure is almost assured.

"[He is] not really interested in signing a new contract and I think Man City have made a bid," said Curtis. "So it's just a matter of time now before it happens and it's good for both parties.

"He's been terrific for us, to be fair, we've had two seasons out of him and he was superb in the Championship and virtually his goals got us promotion.

"And last year as well he wasn't maybe quite as effective as he was his first year - obviously it was a lot tougher opposition - but he's been absolutely magnificent."

Sinclair will be the Welsh club's second major departure of the season, after midfielder Joe Allen moved to Liverpool. But Swansea, boosted by new signing Michu, impressed as they beat QPR 5-0 in the opening game of the season, and Curtis does not expect the two losses to be disastrous for manager Michael Laudrup.

"Like Joe we wish him all the best, but as long as the club keeps pushing forward that's the main thing," Curtis added. "It obviously gives Scott the chance to settle in at his new club and it gives us the opportunity to buy a replacement for Scott."

Swansea are closing in on Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-yueng, as they look to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes.

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Chelsea set to sign for Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta is keen to join Chelsea, according to L'Equipe on Tuesday.
Chelsea have been linked with Azpilicueta throughout the summer, and could be set to complete a deal before the end of the week.

Azpilicueta, 22, has played in both of Marseille's Ligue 1 games this season and Sunday's 2-0 win at home to Sochaux could prove to be his last appearance for the club. Marseille could go to Moldova on Thursday for their Europa League play-off tie against Sheriff Tiraspol without the player..


"Everybody thinks it is not easy for me, that I'm torn between Marseille and Chelsea, but I respect the team [Marseille] and the fans," Azpilicueta said. "I will be at 100% as long as I wear this jersey. If my departure could help the club to get some money, everybody will be happy."

The fee for the player, who was part of the Spain squad at London 2012, would be in the region of €8 million.

New Marseille coach Elie Baup praised the player's performance in the first two matches of the season despite the speculation over his future.

"It's never easy for a guy in this kind of situation," said Baup. "Everybody talks about him. He had two great games [against Reims and Sochaux]. He is a great professional. At other teams, some players are sometimes in the same situation and they behave differently."

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Llorente set to join Man utd or Arsenal

The agent of Spurs target Fernando Llorente has revealed it is "very, very possible" the Athletic Bilbao striker will move to the Premier League before the transfer window closes.

Llorente, a Spain international, was believed to be on the verge of completing a move to Serie A champions Juventus this summer, having expressed his desire to leave Athletic in search of a new challenge..
Spurs have long maintained an interest in the 27-year-old, but have reportedly so far been put off by his £30 million asking price as they look to add a striker to the squad at White Hart Lane.
However, Llorente's agent Carlos Arino Bajo said that there remains a good chance Spurs could get their man - with Llorente expected to clarify his future on Wednesday.
However, Arino Bajo revealed one of the Manchester clubs - United and City - are also interested in the player.
"Tomorrow [Wednesday] Llorente will speak to his destination," Arino Bajo said, according to the Daily Telegraph. "It is very, very possible he will decide to go to the Premier League.
"I don't know the [choice of] club at the moment but there are two [interested] clubs. One is in London, and one is in Manchester."
With only one out-and-out striker, Jermain Defoe, currently on the club's books, Spurs are desperate to sign another forward as soon as possible. Emmanuel Adebayor, who spent last season on loan at the club, is another target - with the north London side now more hopeful a deal will be agreed after parent club Manchester City reportedly offered to off-set some of the Togolese player's wage demands in a bid to get him off their books.
City would appear to be more likely to be keeping tabs on Llorente than United, with manager Roberto Mancini admitting over the weekend that a long-term injury to Sergio Aguero, who was stretchered off against Southampton on Sunday, might force him into the market for another striker.
"If it is a serious injury we will probably change our plans," said Mancini. "But we need to wait. Maybe it will be one week or three or four weeks, after the international break."
However, scans subsequently revealed the former Atletico Madrid forward should only be out for a maximum of four weeks.

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Ferguson Disappointed with Van Persie's Perfomance

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his team failed to get the best out of £24 million striker Robin van Persie in the short time he was on the pitch in the 1-0 defeat at Everton.
Van Persie, United's big summer signing from Arsenal, was brought on for the last 22 minutes with his side trailing to a goal from the excellent Marouane Fellaini. However, the 29-year-old did not register a shot on target as United failed to threaten Tim Howard's goal in search of an equaliser and Ferguson admitted they lacked a cutting edge..
"We played around him too much, we didn't show enough penetration,'' said Ferguson. With Robin in your team you know you want to use his ability against centre-backs in situations he is very good at - but we didn't use him enough.''
Ferguson, who saw his side lose their opening fixture for the first time since 2004, admitted they failed to cope with Fellaini at the other end as the Everton midfielder dominated a patched-up defence.

Midfielder Michael Carrick pushed into service as an emergency centre-back because of injury to Rio Ferdinand and Antonio Valencia was deployed at right back.
"He (Fellaini) is a handful: he is a big, tall, gangly lad and they just lumped the ball forward to him, that's all they did,'' added Ferguson. "They worked from that base all the time and they got a goal from him, so it's justified.

"Centre-back is a problem but we coped quite well, I don't think you can criticise their performance in that respect. It was just difficult to handle him when they were knocking these balls up to him. Michael did fine, good on the ball and applied himself well, they all applied themselves well.''
Goalkeeper David de Gea was in excellent form in the first half and had it not been for him Everton could have been well ahead by the interval.

"We were the better football team, they had eight shots on target and De Gea did very well for us in that way,'' he told MUTV. "But we had the possession and made some great openings without actually finishing it.
"That was the only difference. These shots on targets the goalkeeper did really well. Other than that we played good football, good combination play, on another day we would have won the match.''

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Arsene Wenger wants two more players

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he is hopeful of making two more signings before the transfer widow closes, with one of them expected to be Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.
The Gunners have lost both Robin van Persie and Alex Song this summer, with Song completing his switch to Barcelona on Monday.
At the weekend, Wenger said he would try to bring in a midfield replacement for the Cameroon international, with Sahin widely tipped to arrive on loan for the season..
And the Arsenal boss said he also wanted to add a defender to his ranks. He told Arsenal's official website: "We are looking to bring one more midfielder in, of course, and maybe one defender as well because we still feel we are short in some positions."
Injuries to Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny have left Wenger with a slight shortage of defensive options, especially at right-back.
Arsenal failed to find the net against Sunderland on the opening day, drawing 0-0 at the Emirates, and while Wenger admitted some disappointment with the display, defender Per Mertesacker insisted the side would soon gel, with plenty more to come from new arrivals including Lukas Podolski.
"It was tough for him [Podolski] because it was his first game up front," Mertesacker said. "I think he will get used to the game, switch on quickly and score a lot for us.
"You have seen that he has a good technique and he is good in possession. We have the players who can pass him the ball. He is a good finisher too, and we will see that in a couple of weeks.
"We saw a lot of misunderstandings, especially in the first half. So we need a bit of time, especially with the new players. We had a few new players who were playing their first game over 90 minutes. But I think it is coming."

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Mourinho unhappy with Real draw

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said he was disappointed with his side's performance in their 1-1 draw against Valencia on Sunday.
Real took an early lead through Gonzalo Higuain but soon sat back and allowed the visitors to equalise, with Jonas heading the ball home.

Valencia then had their goalkeeper Diego Alves to thank for a string of saves that ensured they left the Santiago Bernabeu with a point.

"I expected more from my team. Last season it was (Valencia goalkeeper Vicente) Guaita (who denied us) and this year it was Diego Alves. We did not have a great game but we did more than enough to win," Mourinho said in his post-match press conference.

"Alves was the best, he made some very good saves. If we had played better we would have created more chances.

"We always want to win. We are not content with draws. We could not lose this match because the opponent did not create chances..
Madrid travel to Camp Nou to face Barcelona in the Super Cup for the first Clasico of the season on Thursday, but Mourinho said he was more interested in the wellbeing of defender Pepe, who was injured during the game after colliding with Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

"I worry about Pepe, not the Super Cup. It is just a game and I want a player who is well," he said.

With Casillas attempting to clear a cross that led to Jonas' equalising, the duo came together and the impact left both men prone on the ground while the opposition celebrated.

Pepe was replaced by Raul Albiol at half-time and departed the Santiago Bernabeu for the hospital soon after.

"I remember nothing of the play. Only that I went for the ball, and nothing else. It is a pity to concede goals from set pieces," Casillas said to reporters after the game.

"They've taken him to hospital because head injuries can be serious."

Valencia coach Manuel Pellegrino, meanwhile, was pleased with the fight shown by his side away from home.

"It is always hard to play against a team like Real Madrid who are steeped in prestige," he said.

"At the end of the game it was very hot and physically very hard for the players. The game was disjointed and both teams had a lot of changes.

"We could have won, but equally we could have lost. It was a very intense game."

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Man City prepared to sell Johnson

Manchester City are prepared to allow Adam Johnson to leave in a bid for first-team football.

Liverpool, Everton and Sunderland are all interested in the England winger, who only started 10 Premier League games last season..
And while Roberto Mancini has told Johnson he will still have a part to play if he stays at City, the Italian has accepted it could be time for the 25-year-old to end his two-and-a-half year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Sunderland are thought to be planning a permanent deal to take Johnson back to his native North East, while Liverpool would rather borrow him.
Mancini said: "He is a young guy, he is a good player and he wants to play. If we can find a good solution for him, maybe it is better. We had two or three situations and we are talking with him about this. He wants to play."
Johnson was not on the bench for City's 3-2 win over Southampton when Sergio Aguero was taken off with a suspected knee injury.
Mancini said it could force City into a rethink and sign a striker before the transfer window closes.
"If it is a serious injury, probably it will change our plans," he said. However, he ruled out recalling the out-of-favour Emmanuel Adebayor.

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PSG kills hope as they Draws for the Second time

Following his side's goalless draw at AC Ajaccio, Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted he was "not worried" by a second successive Ligue 1 draw but admitted his players showed signs of complacency.
Les Parisiens came into the season as overwhelming favourites for the French title after a summer of heavy spending but after needing a Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace to rescue a point in their opening game against Lorient, Ancelotti's charges were held again on their visit to Corsica..
"It was not a good game," Ancelotti said. "Compared with [the game against] Lorient we played with more balance.
"We didn't concede but we got just one real chance to score through Jeremy Menez.
"There was complacency in the first half. It is not what we are about but I'm not worried. We missed Thiago Silva [who trained for the first time last week], Ibrahimovic and Thiago Motta. It will take time."
It is not yet clear whether Ibrahimovic, who missed the game with a minor foot injury, will be back for this Sunday's meeting with current Ligue 1 leaders Bordeaux. The Swede collided in the box last week with Lorient's Bruno Ecuele Manga, who is out for several months after the incident.
While Ibrahimovic is currently still unable to strike a football, Ancelotti showed he is perfectly capable of swinging his left foot at the François Coty Stadium - with the Italian sent to the stands after striking a water bottle in anger during the match.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea coach was given his marching orders to join Ezequiel Lavezzi, who was sent off a few minutes previously, but later said: "It's a gesture I regret."

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Messi: Barcelona want to win it all

Lionel Messi says he is happy with Barcelona's 5-1 win over Real Sociedad in Sunday's La Liga opener at Camp Nou.
The Argentine netted two goals to get the Catalans off to a winning start, and Messi is full of ambition for the remainder of the 2012-13 campaign..
"We’re a team that wants to keep on winning important titles for the club. I want to win it all, just like Tito [Vilanova]. It will be difficult, but we’ll try. It’s important to start off winning," Messi stated to Barca TV.
"Despite having a new manager, the team continues to play with the same philosophy. We’re playing with the same style of play."
The Argentina international then looked ahead to the Spanish Supercopa tie versus Real Madrid, and expects two complicated matches.
"It will be a complicated match because they are an experienced rival. The key to success is that all players actively participate so that we can score goals."
The first leg takes place at Camp Nou on Thursday, and is scheduled to kick off at 22:30CET

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Manchester City Displayed their Championship charater

This is simply how Manchester City do it, part of the fabric at a club that has always chosen the difficult way over the easy way.

A home fixture against newly promoted cannon fodder looked on paper like the simplest of starts as Robert Mancini’s side began their title defence on Sunday.
City came up against a Southampton side with absolutely nothing to lose, determined to make the most of the occasion after returning to the top flight from the depths of League One.
The Saints did absolutely everything they could, combining their defensive work-rate with menace on the counterattack and scoring two goals to stun the Etihad Stadium..
But City were able to overcome the scare of falling behind to the Premier League new boys, to demonstrate the winning mentality and competitive edge that comes with being successful.
The comeback was completed 10 minutes earlier than the glorious final day of last season, but it was a breathless, brilliant game to mark the return of Premier League football.
“That’s why we’re champions” roared the City fans after Samir Nasri’s late winner, the Frenchman capping a fine individual display to show that there are match-winners throughout the squad.
It had looked plain sailing when Carlos Tevez gave City the lead five minutes before the break, the hosts eventually finding a way to the Southampton goal after David Silva had missed with a woeful penalty.
Mancini was furious with his side’s casual defending at the start of the second half as Rickie Lambert and Steven Davis struck to put Southampton ahead.
City, however, stayed patient. They built attacks, dominated possession and committed men forward.
At one stage - just like last season’s final day against QPR - it looked like they might not find a way through and were on course for an embarrassing start to their title defence.
But Edin Dzeko turned in an equaliser from close range in the 72nd minute and eight minutes later Nasri slammed the winner into the top corner after the Saints failed to deal with a cross.
It should not have to be this hard for City, but they got the job done, and in thrilling style.
It is a trait for which rivals Manchester United have been praised throughout the Sir Alex Ferguson era, so why not say the same for City?
Of course, performances will have to improve and the defence needs to sharpen up. Joleon Lescott looked off the pace as did Vincent Kompany, who has not had a full pre-season due to a calf injury.
New signing Jack Rodwell sat in midfield but gave away a sloppy pass to Southampton before they swept up the pitch to score their second goal. TITLE RETAINED?
City, though, have so much attacking quality. Silva may have been quiet, Aguero may have been forced off through injury early on, but Tevez, Nasri and Yaya Toure constantly caused the visitors problems.
Aguero’s injury will be an obvious cause of concern for Mancini, and the Italian did suggest after the match that he will in any case be looking to add reinforcements in the transfer market before the end of the month.
A big-name signing like Daniele De Rossi of Roma might just freshen up the City squad and give them a boost ahead of a nine-month campaign.
And if Aguero’s knee injury turns out to be more serious than he thinks - the Argentine striker tweeted on Sunday night that there is no significant problem - then Mancini will almost certainly look to bring in a top class striker.
It is Manchester United’s turn to respond when they kick off with a very tricky match away at Everton on Monday night as we prepare for another two-horse, all-Manchester title race this season.
City’s first performance suggests we could be in for another dramatic, topsy turvy season, but they have the character to defend their crown.

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Sir Alex Ferguson in state of confusion over Kagawa and Van persie

Manchester United’s headline-grabbing capture of Robin van Persie means their fans go into a Premier League season with the most optimism they have had since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club to join Real Madrid in 2009..
The £24 million acquisition of the Dutchman from rivals Arsenal has whetted the appetite for the new campaign after years of waiting for a big-name arrival at Old Trafford finally came to an end.
Just weeks ago, though, United supporters were already excited - and rightly so. Shinji Kagawa, the Japan playmaker, had been brought in from double Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund and excelled in pre-season.
Sir Alex Ferguson appeared to have finally brought in the creative midfielder United had needed for years, after failed approaches for the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Samir Nasri in the last two summer transfer windows.
It is unclear whether both, either, or neither of Kagawa and Van Persie will start against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night, although the duo are expected to make their debuts over the course of proceedings against David Moyes’ men.
TOFFEES TEST
Read our match preview as Manchester United prepare to begin their Premier League season away to Everton
But, whatever happens in the 90 minutes, it is clear the arrival of Van Persie gives the manager a selection headache involving Kagawa which could remain for the rest of the season and beyond; just where will he fit in?
Sir Alex admitted after capturing Van Persie that he had not expected to sign the Dutchman earlier in the summer and it has to be questioned whether or not he would have gone through with the move for Kagawa if he knew the striker would have been arriving too.
While he occasionally deploys an extra man in midfield, Sir Alex is still a keen advocate of the 4-4-2 formation and now that he has signed Van Persie and already has star striker Wayne Rooney on his books, that is unlikely to change any time soon.
If the boss had any plans of switching from 4-4-2, he would have done so by now in past seasons and would certainly not have swooped for the 37-goal Dutch frontman this summer.
At Dortmund and in pre-season for United, Kagawa has excelled in a central attacking midfield position, slipping in between the lines and showcasing his first touch, sharp passes and keen eye for goal.
If both Van Persie and Rooney are starting the big games in attack for United though, Kagawa cannot play in his preferred position as a ‘No.10’ or centrally-based attacking midfielder if there is to be any balance in the side.
It is not impossible that Kagawa could play some games from out wide when Sir Alex changes things up, roaming and cutting inside, as he has often done for the Japan natinal team, but that is in a 4-2-3-1 and not in a 4-4-2 where wingers tracking back is an essential part of the system.
The other option could be for Kagawa to play deeper as a central midfielder in the 4-4-2, much like team-mates Paul Scholes or Michael Carrick, but he has limited experience in that position and doubts remain over his defensive capabilities and physical strength, while his passing range is shorter than the likes of Scholes.
When both Van Persie and Rooney are on the teamsheet, it does not look like the Japan international will be able to play in his preferred position.
He could still succeed and produce impressive performances over the course of his debut season but it undoubtedly gives Sir Alex a selection dilemma if he wants to play both his two major summer signings and Rooney in the same team.

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Angry Arsenal Fans Force Robin Van Persie’s Wife Bouchra, To Abandon Twitte

Still seething with rage over the transfer of their talismanic captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United, Arsenal fans have vented their frustrations on the striker’s wife.
Van Persie’s wife Bouchra, 28, was bombarded with abusive Twitter messages after the 24 million pound deal.

While some fans posted videos of them burning their van Persie shirts on YouTube, many directed their fury at Bouchra. The mum-of-two was branded a gold-digger and threatened by sick supporters blaming her for the switch to their title rivals.Angelo_156 Tweeted: “I wish death upon you. I hate you, you scumbag. I hope your whole family drops dead..
Diarmuid Boylan wrote: “You f***ing bitch. I hope your car gets robbed in Manchester!” Fadln called her a “gold digger”. Arsalan_Tweet wrote: “P*ss off to Manchester. Enjoy the extra £££££.
Hiuyan0806 tweeted: “Tell your hubby that he is the biggest betrayal in Arsenal history at all times. He won’t get away from it.
Three months ago Bouchra said she hoped the footballer would stay in London to avoid disrupting the children’s schooling. Van Persie, 29, whose four-year contract will net him more than 200,000 pounds a week, hasn’t reacted to the latest barrage against his wife.However, Bouchra is not lacking support as many other Arsenal fans who are horrified by the tweet-attacks have tweeted in her support. It would be recalled that Wayne Rooney also suffered the same fate when he left Goodison Park for Old Trafford; his parents were threatened as much as he was.
Former team mate and Arsenal keeper, tweeted via @SzczesnyNo1: Them ‘Arsenal fans’ who abused @Bouchra_vPersie and her kids are disappointments to let alone Arsenal but themselves
@InsideManUtd tweeted: Robin Van Persie’s wife, Bouchra has left tweeter after a barrage of abusive messages and death threats from… fb.me/2gFpIPLUp
Perhaps if Arsenal had won their opening game yesterday, this attacks wouldn’t have occured but it’s a good thing that his former team mate and indeed ‘real’ Arsenal fans are not in support of this onslaught against Van Persie’s family.

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To stop Ronaldo, you will need €100m - to sign him for your own team

New Valencia signing Joao Pereira has said that he believes the best way to stop fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo is to sign him for €100 million.

The Portuguese international makes his debut for Los Che against Ronaldo's Real Madrid on matchday one of La Liga on Sunday evening..

The 28-year-old, who featured prominently at Euro 2012, insists however, that he knows how to stop the former Manchester United winger, but maintains that Ronaldo remains one of the best in the world.
"Stop him? The best way to do that is to have €100m and sign him for your own team," Pereira was quoted as saying by AS.
"As I don't have [€100m], it will have to be done with a mixture of luck and concentration, lots of it, but we can do it. He is one of the best in the world, and has a lot of things at his disposal.
"But it's true, we have been training in one-on-one situations. In Portugal, he is considered the best in the world because, wherever he goes, he wins everything.

"Here in Spain, perhaps he has to win the Champions League with Real Madrid to earn the respect of everybody, but I hope he doesn't do it this year, because we are also in the competition, and [we] have the right to compete for the title!"

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Sir Ferguson is Far better than me, Mourinho confess

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says that following the success of Sir Alex Ferguson at the La Liga champions would be very difficult.

The long-serving manager of the most successful Premier League side is a coach to aspire to, with his huge haul of trophies, and Mourinho does not believe that he will match his counterpart's record while at the Spanish capital..
Asked about his personal aspirations, the Portuguese said that he was focused on the next four years at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Copying Ferguson is difficult. Mission impossible. That is because I won't be here for 79 years. I signed here for four years, and if we signed it, we signed it to do so," he explained.
"My intention is to keep winning and keep making a fantastic team with its own identity and, in my opinion, [fantastic] football."
The Los Blancos boss also refused to be drawn on big rivals Barcelona.
"I have no interest in talking about a rival that is not Valencia," he told AS.

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Lorient Dazzles Montpellier's fate

Reigning Ligue 1 champions Montpellier were left shellshocked after seeing Lorient snatch a 2-1 victory from the jaws of defeat with two stoppage-time goals.

After being held 1-1 at home by Toulouse in their opening fixture, Montpellier would have been determined to pick up a three-point haul this weekend and they looked set to do just that after taking a 37th-minute lead through Emanuel Herrera..
However, Lorient refused to give in and they stunned their opponents by first snatching a brilliant 90th-minute equaliser through Alain Traore and then claiming the points when Jeremie Aliadiere slotted home two minutes later.
Four second-half goals lifted Lyon to an emphatic 4-1 victory over promoted Troyes in Ligue 1.
Remi Garde called for a more convincing display from his players after opening their campaign with a narrow win over Rennes, and the Lyon boss certainly got that in the second 45 minutes.
The hosts had to be stung into life, however, after Troyes took the lead through Jean-Christophe Bahebeck a minute into the second half.
Lisandro Lopez spurned a chance to level minutes later when he fluffed his lines from the penalty spot, but goals by Bafetimbi Gomis and Michel Bastos swung the match in Lyon's favour.
Troyes were in trouble when Julien Faussurier saw red for a reckless challenge on Cris in the 68th minute, and Lyon duly capitalised late on through a Lopez strike and a second for Gomis.
Toulouse picked up their first win of the Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-1 victory over St Etienne in sweltering conditions in the south-west of France.
Etienne Capoue put the hosts in front 10 minutes before the break and Wissam Ben Yedder doubled the lead just before the hour mark.
Capoue missed the chance to put it beyond doubt in the 74th minute when his penalty was saved, but Max Gradel's spot-kick was nothing more than consolation for the visitors.
Paul Baysse's last-gasp strike helped Brest bounce back from last week's loss and condemn Evian to a 1-0 defeat.
The Brittany club were beaten 1-0 in their curtain raiser against Nancy and it seemed they may have to be content with a goalless draw until Baysse headed home Bruno Grougi's free-kick.
Bastia came from behind with a last-gasp winner to beat fellow Ligue 1 new boys Reims 2-1, who finished with nine men as they fell apart in the second half.
Nicolas Fauvergue gave Reims an early lead and they survived a Bastia onslaught until the hour mark, when Anthony Weber fouled Florian Thouvin, earning a red card and allowing Anthony Modeste to lash in the equaliser from the penalty spot.
Mickael Tacalfred then earned an 82nd-minute red for a rash tackle on Modeste and Araujo Ilan made him pay in injury time with the winner.
Joris Delle pulled off two excellent saves to earn Nice a point in their 0-0 draw at Valenciennes. Les Aiglons dominated before the break but Valenciennes hit back and Delle had to be alert to deny Pape Camara and David Ducourtioux in quick succession.

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Manchester City linked with Jovetic bid

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Vincenzo Montella remains hopeful that Stevan Jovetic will remain at Fiorentina after reports in Italy suggested the club had turned down an offer from Manchester City for the forward.
According to the La Nazione, City sent scouts to Florence on Saturday to see Jovetic captain the Viola to a 2-0 Coppa Italia win against Novara..
Jovetic, 22, has been linked heavily with Juventus throughout the summer and earlier this month president Andrea Della Valle revealed the club had "turned down an offer" of €25 million for Jovetic which was believed to be from the Bianconeri.
La Nazione further claims City made an offer following Saturday's game but that it was rejected immediately.
Speaking after the victory, Fiorentina manager Montella told reporters: "I think he'd be disappointed if he left, because we are building an important team here.
"We're giving him a team for his characteristics. This is a side with quality and I am certain that Jovetic strongly wants to stay."

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Barcelona agrees Song bid

Barcelona have announced they have agreed a deal with Arsenal for midfielder Alex Song, thought to be in the region of £15 million
Song, 24, joined Arsenal from Bastia, initially on loan for 2005-06 before signing permanently a year later for just £1 million. Despite initial question marks over his potential, he has emerged as a key player for the Gunners.
The Cameroon international made 46 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, but this summer speculation has arisen over his future, amid interest from Barcelona.
Following the exit of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, manager Arsene Wenger confirmed Song could also leave the club. On Saturday, after their 0-0 draw with Sunderland, Barcelona announced a deal had been struck..
Their official Twitter account read: "FC Barcelona has agreed a deal with Arsenal FC for the transfer of Alex Song to the Camp Nou.
"Song will sign for the next five seasons with a release clause of €80 million. On Monday he'll have a medical and then join the rest of the squad for the official team presentation at the Gamper."
A statement from Arsenal read: "Arsenal Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for the transfer of Alex Song to Barcelona. Song will now travel to the Catalan club to agree personal terms and undergo a medical ahead of the proposed move."
Wenger said in his post-match press conference: "He expressed a desire to go to Barcelona. It is frustrating, we have learnt to deal with that. I believe as well that the financial potential of some clubs is massive and that makes a difference.''
Wenger, however, feels Arsenal have enough cover in midfield.
"We have [Jack] Wilshere coming back, I believe in one and a half months. We have [Abou] Diaby back, we have [Tomas] Rosicky not far away and we might bring another midfielder in as well. You have to be patient a little bit [over any new signings].''
Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner is also expected to leave ahead of the transfer deadline. However, Wenger played down reports the player was set to move to Italy next week.
"He is likely to move, yes, but there is no deal done at all,'' Wenger said.

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Ferdinand will miss Everton clash

Rio Ferdinand is set to miss Manchester United's Premier League opener at Everton on Monday night with a groin injury that could keep him out for a month.

Former England captain is understood to have suffered the injury during training on Friday. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is already stretched in defence for the trip to Goodison Park, as he is without Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans..
It means that Michael Carrick is in line to play at centre-back alongside Nemanja Vidic, who will be making his first competitive appearance for United since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury against FC Basel in the Champions League last December.
Northern Ireland centre-back Evans has not played all summer after ankle surgery, although he is close to a return. Smalling is out until mid-October following an operation on a broken metatarsal, while Jones - who has been troubled by back spasms - has been told by United's medical team to rest for a month.
erguson is hopeful that midfielder Darren Fletcher is getting closer to a comeback. The Scotland midfielder, 28, has been out of action since last December, when United revealed he was suffering from the chronic bowel condition ulcerative colitis.
But he played his first full 90 minutes for nine months as United beat Stoke at Nantwich on Saturday morning in the Under-21 Premier League - which allows sides to field three over-age outfield players.
That came after a surprise 30-minute appearance in a friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday

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Everton conclude Miirallas deal

Everton have announced the signing of Belgium international Kevin Mirallas from Olympiakos on a four-year deal.

Mirallas, 24, scored 20 goals in 25 games for the Greek side last season, with the Toffees winning the race for his signature after agreeing a fee - believed to be around £6 million - on Friday evening.
The forward agreed personal terms and signed a medical on Saturday, with the deal formally announced on Sunday morning..
"I am very happy because Everton is a big club and for me it's a very good opportunity," Mirallas said. "I've known Everton have been following me for a while and after talking with the manager I decided coming to Everton was the best opportunity for me.
"I know this is a great club with great supporters and a club that has the ability win a lot of games in the Premier League. That's why I came."
Manager David Moyes is happy to have bolstered his squad on the eve of the club's new campaign, especially having seen the likes of Tim Cahill, James McFadden and Joao Silva all depart this summer.
"We're really pleased to get Kevin," Moyes said. "He'll hopefully add a bit of quality to the squad, give us some more options and we need him.
"We've lost one of two players so we're delighted to get Kevin in."
Mirallas - who will wear the No. 11 at Goodison Park - will not be available to make his debut against Manchester United on Monday, however, having only completed his move after the Premier League's 12pm Friday deadline for player registrations.
The forward, who can play on either wing or through the middle, has previously had spells at Standard Liege, St Etienne and Lille.

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Mancini: RVP makes Utd favourites

Roberto Mancini believes Robin van Persie's move to Manchester United makes Sir Alex Ferguson's team firm favourites to lift the title this season.
Manchester City were interested in taking Van Persie to the Etihad Stadium but, for the first time since Dimitar Berbatov preferred the red half of Manchester in 2008, they have missed out on a player to their rivals.

However, Mancini has said a deal to take Van Persie to City would not have been possible, given that his quartet of forwards - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez - all remain at the club.
"We have four strikers," Mancini said. "It was impossible for us to put in another striker."
Mancini had already argued that United were the team to beat in the title race but believes the combination of Van Persie and Wayne Rooney, the division's two top scorers last season, cements that.
"United play for the title every year for 20 years," he said. "We won the last championship but we can't change this in one year. For this reason, they are favourites for the title and now with Van Persie... he is a really top player and was the best striker last year. With Rooney they will be one of the best couple of strikers in the Premier League.
"I think a fit Van Persie is one of the best strikers in the world. If they bought him because they need another striker, I am sure that now they are better with Van Persie."

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Messi is a better Footballer than Maradona, no need for comparison, says macherano

Javier Mascherano believes there is no point comparing his team-mate Lionel Messi and Argentina legend Diego Maradona.
The midfielder has played alongside Messi for many years for the national side and for the past two seasons has also played his club football with the 25-year-old after completing a move to Camp Nou from Liverpool in 2010..
 When asked about whether Messi rates alongside Maradona, Mascherano was quick to dismiss such comparisons.
''There is no need to compare Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi," Mascherano told Goal.com.
''Maradona was the greatest striker of his era and Messi is currently the best footballer in the world.
''He (Messi) has won the Ballon d'Or three times. Argentine people are very proud of him because he is the first player to achieve this."
Mascherano also spoke of how lucky he feels to play alongside Messi for both club and country.
"For me it's an honour to play with Lionel Messi. I spend every day with him. In the future I'll remember that I played with one of the best players of all time," he said.
Barcelona kick off their La Liga campaign at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday

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Ferguson still amazed by Van Persie capture

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he did not think the club would be able to sign striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal.

The 29-year-old Netherlands international officially moved to Old Trafford on Friday, and Ferguson revealed the club's interest was only turned into a formal approach once the Dutchman refused to sign a new deal in north London..
Van Persie was the English Premier League's top scorer last season, notching 30 goals and Ferguson believes his new signing is among the world's best talents.
"Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football," Ferguson told reporters.
"His talents need no introduction to our fans. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding.
"This is the best league in the world. Messi wouldn't score 72 goals in this league.
"We need a finished player. Scholes and Giggs are coming to the end and we need maturity. That's why Robin is very important now.

"We never thought we'd get Van Persie. I couldn't see us getting him, but when he refused a new contract, that's when we acted."

Ferguson also confirmed during the press conference Van Persie was likely to be available for the club's first game of the season away to Everton on Monday.

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Sanchez tips Hernandez for succes

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has a future at the club, according to Mexico and Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez.

After the arrival of former Arsenal forward Robin van Persie, United now have an embarrassment of riches up front and the 24-year-old faces some stiff competition from the likes of Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck, while Dimitar Berbatov is still at the club..
 Nevertheless, Sanchez believes that as long as the club continue to trust the former Chivas Guadalajara man, he still has a part to play at Old Trafford.
"They must have patience with him, he's a great player," the former Madrid man told reporters.
"Javier has a lot of quality that he will keep showing, what he needs is continuity because when he was given that before he was effective.
"He needs to be calm and have confidence in his ability because when there is more competition the pressure can rise

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Barcelona and Real Madrid not to be view in on free TV for now

Barcelona and Real Madrid matches will only be available on pay-per-view televison in Spain for the next three seasons.
After the start of the new La Liga season was left in jeopardy following an uprising from several clubs, Spain's broadcasting companies have come to agreement in the hope of working together in the future..
Mediapro and Prisa TV have agreed that no fixtures featuring Real Madrid or Barcelona will be aired on free view channels, even if one of the two teams is eliminated from Europe in the early stages, an eventuality that usually allows for greater flexibility.
The director of Canal+, the company who has exclusive rights to all pay-per-view Liga BBVA matches, Carlos Martinez, told reporters at a press conference: "Free view TV was the first choice, but they lost out because the operators believed that the valuation was an exorbitant amount."
Prisa TV's Canal+ will show 28 matches involving one of Madrid or Barcelona, whilst Mediapro's pay-per-view channel will air one of the two teams each weekend and also broadcast one of the famous Clasico clashes.

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former Chelsea defender Bosingwa joins QPR

QPR have clinched the signing of Jose Bosingwa on a three-year contract following the player’s release from Chelsea.
In what has been an extremely busy transfer window so far for the club, the right-back becomes manager Mark Hughes' eighth signing of the summer.
And Boswinga, who brings a wealth of experience to Loftus Road after four years at Chelsea, spoke of his delight at extending his stay in the Premier League upon confirmation of the deal.
"I'm really pleased to be here. I had the pick of many clubs, but the project here excites me greatly," Bosingwa told the club's official website.
“I spoke yesterday with the manager and owner and they showed me what they want for the future of the club.
“I played for Chelsea for four years and I love Premier League football and the supporters. It is fantastic for me to stay in England. I’m happy and all of my family are happy, and that is most important.
“This is maybe the most important challenge of my career. I want to help my team-mates and the team with my experience..
“Now I am a QPR player, I will give my best – for the team and for the supporters.
“All together, we will fight for the club. We need time. We start now and in one, two or three years we can win something. We have to have passion and I think the results will come."
Following the likes of Andy Johnson, Robert Green and Park Ji-Sung arriving club, Hughes was excited about the prospect of the new season ahead and how much more experienced his squad is now when compared to last term.
Hughes added: "I am delighted to bring a player of his undoubted quality to the club. He has got plenty of pace, great technical ability and all the attributes you need to be a top player.
“Jose has a lot of versatility which is something I like my players to have. He can operate right across the back and can also play the holding role in midfield.
“He’s another Champions League winner, the third in the squad now with Ji-Sung Park and Djibril Cisse, and will add invaluable experience to the group.
“His experience is really important to us. He understands the Premier League and he understands what it takes to win games. He has got a winning mentality and that is what I want to have around the place."

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Paris Saint-Germain Suppose to win every match, Pastore says

Javier Pastore has admitted that there are high expectations of Paris Saint-Germain after the club made a number of high-profile signings earlier in the summer.

The Argentina international made 33 appearances in Ligue 1 for the club last season, as they finished runners-up to the division's surprise package, Montpellier.
Speaking to the club's official website, the 23-year-old considered the expectations that people have of the team this season..
"This season, we are expected to win every game," Pastore said.
"We didn't take our opportunities in the opening game, but the first match of the season is always difficult. We need to be calmer, more patient and confident in our play and travel to Ajaccio with the idea of fighting for the title from the start."
He also spoke about his experiences last year, and his hopes for the coming campaign.
"Since I arrived, there have been a lot of changes at Paris Saint-Germain. The club is expanding rapidly and I'm proud to be a part of the project."
"We have an excellent squad, armed to achieve greatness, which means winning Ligue 1 and doing well in the Champions League. That's what I want, and they're also the ambitions of the club.
"The main reason I came to France was because Paris Saint-Germain is growing every day. The club is building for a glorious future, both on and off the pitch."

PSG face Ajaccio on August 19.

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Van Persie: The little spirit inside me shouted 'Manchester United!

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie insisted that there were no hard feelings between him and former club Arsenal after completing his move between the two sides.
At his press conference unveiling, it was revealed that Van Persie would be taking the No.20 shirt for the coming campaign, after Fabio vacated it after he moved to QPR on a season-long loan deal this summer.
The Dutch international and current PFA Player of the Year was keen to explain his reasoning behind the controversial switch, insisting that there was no ill will between Arsenal and himself, but that he simply couldn't turn the chance down.
"From my side and Arsenal's side, there is no hard feeling. No one is angry with me and I'm not angry with them," Van Persie told reporters..
"Arsenal are part of my life. They've been great to me. We didn't agree on the future - that's life.
"When I have to make tough decisions in my life I listen to the little boy inside me. That little boy was screaming 'Manchester United'"
"Manchester United breathes football. This club is the perfect match for me."
After seeing the club pipped to the title last term by local rivals Manchester City, Van Persie indicated that he was keen to rise to the challenge of playing for the club alongside players that he's admired from afar for years.
"For me it's a big challenge to do it together with the players here. Every single one is very helpful. It's like a family club.
"This is the biggest challenge for me In my football life.
""Wayne Rooney is a world class player. Scholes & Giggs are world class and have proved it for 20 years. They had a big impact.
"This is a big challenge for me, which I'm looking forward to. I am proud to be here & look forward to achieving big things."

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Maradona in fresh Controversy

Diego Maradona is at the centre of a new controversy regarding a forged signature allegedly signed by his former assistant.
Maradona is said to be prepared to sue two Chinese companies, Sina and The 9 Limited, after they used his image and name without permission for their football game, 'Hot Blooded Soccer'. It was assumed that they had received an authorised signature from the former Argentina manager, but Maradona claimed he never signed the agreement..
Some Chinese media sources have reported that The 9 Limited has sent a letter of apology Maradona, explaining that the deal was handled by a Chinese agent named Lu Weiping. The agent claimed that Maradona had signed the contract.
However, according to Minuto1, Maradona feels that a letter won't suffice, and he insists on claiming compensation of ￥20m for infringement of image rights after the Chinese courts declared that the signature was forged.
It is alleged that the blame lies with Maradona's former friend and assisant at the 2010 World Cup, Alejandro Mancuso. A representative of the games company said that they approached Mancuso with the contract after the World Cup, under the assumption that he was representing Maradona.
The same representative then claimed that the contract was delivered by hand to Mancuso's house, and was returned to them containing the (now deemed false) signature.
Maradona is currently looking for new employers after being sacked by Al Wasl in July following a poor first season in charge of the Dubai club, and is reportly keen to manage in China.

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Everton accept City bid for Rodwell

Manchester City are on the verge of signing Jack Rodwell from Everton after the Toffees confirmed they have accepted an undisclosed offer for the midfielder, who will undergo a medical on Sunday.
Rodwell, 21, made his debut for Everton in 2007 after progressing through the club's academy but will now look to take a step up in his career with the reigning Premier League champions.
A statement on the Toffees' official website said: "Everton have agreed an undisclosed fee with Manchester City for the transfer of Jack Rodwell. The midfielder is set to undergo a medical with the Premier League champions on Sunday."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is known to be a long-time admirer of Rodwell but with the Red Devils and Chelsea both believed to have expressed an interest, City have moved swiftly to land the England international.
The fee is thought to be in the region of £15 million for a player who will fight for a central midfield berth at the Etihad Stadium with the likes of Gareth Barry, Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure.
Manchester City's season begins with Sunday's clash against FA Cup winners Chelsea in the Community Shield at Villa Park.

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Torres to face the most important season of his Career

Manchester City playmaker David Silva believes Chelsea's Fernando Torres is set to embark on "the most important season of his life" as the duo prepare for Sunday's Community Shield clash.

Silva and Torres helped Spain to the Euro 2012 title earlier this summer, capping a memorable 12 months for the pair. However, Silva insists Torres' true test will come next season as he aims to fill the void left by Didier Drogba..
"Chelsea will notice Drogba's absence because he was important for them. But in football things come to an end and now is the moment of truth for Torres.
"It may be the most important season of his life, because he will have more minutes on the field," Silva is quoted as saying in the Mirror.
Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has added midfielders Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar to the squad for next season, but the Italian says he has faith in Torres to spearhead the Blues' attack.
"I was very happy with him at the end of last season," Di Matteo said. "There are great expectations on the team and he is part of it.
"He was brought in to be a fantastic striker and hopefully he will be able to fit in and show the qualities that he has. He is full of confidence. He's not been back long but he's looking good in training."

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Ferguson Begins Van Persie Chase

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson missed his side's pre-season friendly with Hannover on Saturday night as he steps up his efforts to sign Robin van Persie.
Shinji Kagawa scored the winner as United came back from two goals down to gain a 4-3 victory in Germany, but Ferguson stayed in England to help Red Devils chief executive David Gill work on a deal to bring Van Persie to Old Trafford.
Gill has been in London negotiating with the Gunners this weekend, with United having already had a £15 million offer rejected for the PFA and Football Writers' Association's Player of the Year.
United are likely to have to increase that to £20 million to persuade Arsenal to sell Van Persie, whose contract expires next summer.
The official reason given for the absence of Ferguson, who also missed last weekend's friendly against Valerenga in Norway, was that he was on "other club business"..
His assistant Mike Phelan, who took charge of United for the Hannover game, was non-committal when asked about Van Persie, but United are keen to secure his signature, particularly after losing out to a late bid from Paris Saint-Germain for Lucas Moura last week.
Van Persie, 29, is expected to play in Arsenal's final pre-season friendly against Cologne in Germany on Sunday, before joining up with the Netherlands squad for a midweek friendly against Belgium.
It would be the Dutchman's first match action of any description since his country's group-stage exit from Euro 2012 in June, and Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has expressed concerns about his fitness.
Van Gaal said: "Robin will play his first game this Sunday. He has told me he is at least going to play 45 minutes this weekend. It is a good job, because I almost had not selected him."

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Mexico kills Brazil's Dream to claim the Olympic Gold

Brazil's Olympic curse struck again as Mexico secured arguably the greatest triumph in their history by winning London 2012 gold at Wembley.
Oribe Peralta wrote his name into Mexican folklore with a deadly double against the five-time world champions, who many believed were destined finally to end their agonising wait for Olympic glory.
But despite Hulk pulling a goal back in stoppage-time and Chelsea new boy Oscar missing a last-gasp sitter,
Brazil were a shadow of the attacking force that had smashed in 15 goals en route to the final and displayed the defensive frailty that has long dogged them.
In sharp contrast, Mexico completed their transformation from one of the most notorious also-rans in world football to a side capable of delivering on the biggest stage.
And they could not have picked a better time than in front of 86,162 at the home of football in what was their first truly global major final.
The game promised to be a goal-fest, with Brazil having scored three times in all five of their matches and their opponents netting seven in their last two.
But few would have predicted the fastest goal ever in a FIFA tournament final - also thought to be the quickest in Olympic history - after just 28 seconds.
Manchester United right-back Rafael's hospital pass was intercepted by Javier Aquino and the ball broke for Peralta to race goal-ward unchallenged and fire home.
It was not the first time Brazil had been behind at London 2012 and they might have levelled in the 13th minute when Thiago Silva headed Neymar's free-kick over.
Oscar also should have done better than find Jose Corona when he was allowed to turn and shoot eight yards out.
Brazil's sloppiness continued as they found it hard to penetrate a fiercely committed opposition and made poor decisions when they did.
They made an attacking change just past the half-hour mark when midfielder Alex Sandro was withdrawn for Porto team-mate Hulk.
And the substitute almost caught out Corona with a piledriver from nearly 35 yards but the goalkeeper recovered well to foil Leandro Damiao's rebound.
Marcelo should have tested him again when he flashed wide from Damiao's lay-off and his timing was all wrong again moments later when he went through the back of Peralta, rightly earning a booking.
Hulk was making a real impact, winning a free-kick that Romulo ultimately glanced wide in first-half stoppage-time.
The urgency Brazil had been lacking arrived straight from the restart and Neymar was so close to sending a screamer into the top corner before being left with a nosebleed after colliding with Corona.
Mexico's response to the threat was to send on Miguel Ponce for Aquino, while continuing to target Neymar, Israel Jimenez the next to be booked for doing so.
Santos star Neymar skied a good chance when the ball fell to him 10 yards out but Mexico weathered the storm and were unlucky not to double their lead in the 64th minute after another defensive howler.
Marco Fabian robbed Thiago Silva and although Gabriel came rushing out, his save set up an overhead kick Fabian smashed against the crossbar.
Leandro Damiao had a good chance nicked off his toe and powered a free header wide from a corner before Peralta rightly had a second goal ruled out for offside.
Fabian almost scored legitimately when he nodded over Jorge Enriquez's flick-on from a corner but made amends 15 minutes from time with a free-kick that Peralta netted with a bullet header thanks to simply non-existent marking.
Thiago Silva failed to connect properly from a flick on with a corner but Brazil were showing little sign of a remarkable comeback and even began arguing amongst themselves, with Rafael and Juan Jesus involved in a furious exchange.
However, they should have staged an amazing comeback in stoppage-time, Hulk racing on to a long ball from Marcelo and rifling into the net before crossing for an unmarked Oscar to somehow nod wide from six yards.

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